Ohio has become very attractive to retirees for many reasons. This centrally located state has a northern border that hugs scenic Lake Erie. Many other lakes, rivers and ponds are scattered throughout this beautiful state offering prime fishing, boating and other water activities for retirees to enjoy.
This region has several large cities with some of the best healthcare in the country. The cost of living and housing expenses are surprisingly low even in the suburbs.
Read on for our top 10 picks of the best places to retire in Ohio.
1. Madeira
The enchanting Ohio town of Madeira boasts a friendly population of 9,148 and has much to offer for retired couples or individuals. In fact, many locals claim that this is the best place to live in the state.
This town has a rural feel, and neighborhoods here tend to be close-knit and welcoming. A suburb of Cincinnati, Madeira features lots of retirement communities, divine restaurants and peaceful parks with lovely, shaded trails for those that enjoy outdoor activities.
Highlights
- Blue Ash Recreation Center
- Lots of retirement communities
- Onolicious Hawaii
- Cincinnati Brew Bus
- Blue Ash Summit Park
2. Bellbrook
Bellbrook is a fantastic place to settle down after retirement. There is a lively and upbeat retiree community here, and all the cultural and other benefits of a large urban area can be found in nearby Dayton, Ohio.
There are lots of area attractions for outdoor pursuits that include kayaking, canoeing, fishing and more. The neighborhoods here are warm and welcoming, the town holds an annual Maple Sugar Festival during the spring season.
This town has a friendly population of about 7,277. Retirees generally love living in this quiet and serene community that has lots of grocery stores and plenty of good eat all within a short distance from home.
Highlights
- Fishing at Springs Lake Park
- Canoeing, kayaking and other water activities
- Mill Bridge Launch
- Bellbrook Golf Park Driving Range
- Magic Castle games for all ages
- Elsa’s Corner Cantina a Mexican restaurant
- Sweet Arrow Reserve a nature park with guided tours
- Sugarcreek Bird Farm
- Hiking, walking and biking trails
3. Centerville
Centerville, Ohio, offers some of the best suburban living in this eclectic state. The city has a robust population of around 23,770, and the neighborhoods are safe, welcoming and nice for families and retirees alike.
The public schools in this area have consistent high marks, and there are lots of scrumptious dining venues and the Renaissance Festival here draws many interested in history. This city is considered a main suburb of Metro Dayton
Highlights
- Renaissance and other festivals
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Painting with a Twist a creative venue with painting classes and fun for all ages
- D20: a Bar with Characters for games, drinks and eats
- Wild Axe Throwing is riotous fun
4. Sixteen Mile Stand
This suburb of Cincinnati has a smalltown vibe that has attracted may young professionals of late. It is also a terrific place for seniors to retire with its low crime rate, affordable housing and reasonable cost of living expenses. The town has a rather diverse population of around 3,120.
Enjoy a variety of sporting games at a nearby stadium that has a hometown team to cheer on and tour several area historic sites and museums. There is a fun, historic replica of a European castle here. If golf is your game, then Sixteen Mile Stand is your kind of town.
Highlights
- Loveland Castle a replica European castle scaled back
- Loveland Museum
- Heritage Village Museum
- Hilton Sandestin Beach
- 3dx-A Live Company amusement venue
5. Rocky River
If you love lots of snow and enjoy lake views and water activities, then Rocky River might be right for you. This charming city has a population of around 20,118 and is a suburb of Cleveland just nine miles away.
The town is set along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, and there are many opportunities for boating, hiking and swimming.
Enjoy lots of city parks with playground equipment, picnic facilities, hiking trails and a lovely sidewalk along the lakeshore. Relax on benches while viewing the spectacular sunrises and sunsets that this area offers.
Highlights
- Bradstreets Landing
- Morley Park
- Rocky River Recreation
- River Gallery area art gallery
- Rocky River Reservation with outdoor picnic areas, hiking trails and more
- The Cowan Pottery Museum
- Rocky River Nature Center to learn about area wildlife
6. Ottawa Hills
The Village of Ottawa Hills is a suburb of the Toledo area with a population that is just over 4,500 and growing. This area attracts many retirees, and most people here own their homes. The village was built on both shores of the Ottawa River from which the town got its name.
Niedermeier Stadium is located in Ottawa Hills, and all the cultural centers and arts facilities are just a short ride away in Toledo. Baseball and other sports are popular with residents her. The food venues are fantastic and offer authentic dishes from several different cultures.
Highlights
- Toledo Museum of Art
- Niedermeier Stadium
- Chosica Peruvian Restaurant
- Toledo Botanical Garden
- QQ Kitchen
- Wildwood a nature park with rest areas and hiking trails
- Wings Time authentic Mediterranean cuisine and trendy hookah bar
7. Upper Arlington
The gorgeous city of Upper Arlington, Ohio, offers a splendid place to retire. There are scenic nature parks and nearby access to Columbus dining and cultural settings. This city has been growing over the last two decades, and today it boasts a population count of roughly 35,364.
This is home to Griggs Reservoir Park and Northam Park Tennis Courts that have newer, green clay surfaces for less strain on joints and feet. Upper Arlington also has an outstanding library system.
Highlights
- Thompson Park
- Upper Arlington Public Library
- Moretti’s of Arlington an Italian restaurant
- The Old Bag of Nails Pub
- Belle’s Bread Japanese Bakery and Café
8. The Village of Indian Hills
This wonderful suburb of Cincinati has a population of around 5,774 making it an ideal place for older couples looking for their dream retirement spot. The city features quiet and friendly neighborhoods where almost everyone owns their homes.
The Village of Indian Hills has many outdoor hiking, biking and riding trails that are rated highly by outdoor enthusiasts. Plan to visit the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park with artifacts and other items of Native American cultural interest. There is part of an ancient wall still standing centuries later.
Highlights
- Mirada Fine Art Gallery
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Geneva Glen Camp
- Indian Hill Historical Society
9. Bluffton
Bluffton is a close-knit community that feels like a village. The area has many interesting places to see that includes golfing greens, many local dining establishments and quaint stores to hunt antiques or find trendy items. Bluffton has a population of over 4,000 giving this a smaller town appeal.
Take time to watch a movie at the clean and delightful Shannon Theatre, or tour the Bluffton Saw Cutter Company to watch how old-fashioned graters and slaw cutters are made and used.
Highlights
- Bluffton Golf Course
- Ten Thousand Villages Bluffton OH
- Black Lab Trading Company specialty selling antiques and candles
- Motter Metro Park
- Lulu’s old-fashioned diner
- Luke’s Bar and Grill
- Twisted Whisk Cafe
10. Westlake
The city of Westlake, Ohio, is located outside of Cleveland and along Lake Erie. This town boasts a lively population of around 32,150+ and offers many area attractions, dining venues and nature spots.
Westlake is home to the popular Crocker Park mall, Westlake Recreation Center, Sibling Revelry Brewery and the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. There is an active retiree community here as downtown Cleveland’s major medical centers are just a short drive away.
Highlights
- Regal Crocker Park and IMAX
- Mitchell’s Tavern
- Massage Envy and Zulma Massage Therapy
- Polish Pottery
Final FAQs Regarding Retirement in Ohio
1. Why are more retirees moving to central states like Ohio?
A: Seaside cities are getting overcrowded with rising costs-of-living and limited affordable housing. More retirees are moving to places in central states, like Ohio, to make the most of their retirement savings. Read our analysis on why Ohio is a great place to retire here.
2. What do most retirees look for when searching for a new home?
A: Retirees want access to better healthcare without having to live in high-crime urban neighborhoods. They also desire suburban life that still offers lots of recreation and dining establishments nearby.
3. What type of climate does Ohio typically have throughout the year?
A: Similar to upper states such as Wyoming, Minnesota or Michigan, Ohio sees all four changing seasons. There is snow in the winter, and the temperatures can drop during the colder months.
Cities near Lake Erie generally get lots of snow but having access to water activities in summer is a huge selling point to many retirees. If you prefer warmer States, see our article about the best places to retire in Florida.
If you are still unsure about which US States to pick for your retirement, we think this article will help you.
That’s it for us, if you’re interested in some financial reading, we strongly suggest you to read our analysis of the best gold IRA company available in Ohio. If this is not your cup of tea, go back to OPRS home page to see our latest guides.